Gov’t, MNLF to resume peace talks in Jakarta
The Indonesian government of President Susilo “Bambang” Yudhoyono will host a meeting between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in Surabya, Indonesia, on May 28 to June 2 to continue the effort aimed at the full implementation of the 1996 final peace agreement (FPA).
Andhika Bambang Supeno, minister counselor for Political Affairs of the Indonesian Embassy in the Philippines, told the Manila Bulletin Wednesday that the Surabaya negotiation is a follow-up to the May 20 signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Tripoli Libya.
Supeno was referring to the MoU that Assistant Secretary Camilo “Bong” Montesa” of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) and MNLF founding Chairman Prof. Nur Misuari signed in a meeting hosted by Libya.
Supeno said another MoU is up for signing in the Surabaya peace talks, particularly an agreement on the Bangsamoro Development Assistance Fund (BDAF).
He said GRP's delegation will leave on Friday accompanied by new Indonesian Ambassador Y. Kristiarto S. Legowo.
OPAPP Undersecretary Nabil Tan said Secretary Annabelle T. Abaya, the presidential adviser on the peace process, will be leading the GRP delegation.
The Peace Committee for Southern Philippines (PCSP) of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) through Indonesian Ambassador Rezlan I. Jenie witnessed the Tripoli event. The MoU basically aims for the continuity of the GRP-MNLF-OIC review of the FPA’s implementation.




